I've been reading through this thread and I was wondering about the club on Beach Rd. In the very early 80's there was the Beacon Club and I often played pool there. At the time, the late-great Norman Fasa played there. I think that became the Bowler Hat. Am I mistaken?

I worked in the Ship & Royal from 1980 - 1983 and every Monday, I did my shift then by about 11.15 I'd be in Ruperts. Monday was a great night as it wasn't too packed and as there were no gangs of youngsters, there was little trouble. A great night was always had. I'd get home about 3.00am & I'd still be at work in Newcastle by 7.30 that morning. It seems unthinkable now....happy days.

Hi,
I was just going through a box of family photos & found lots taken in the Kismet Club - my Great Auntie Jenny (nee Palin) & her hubby, ex-boxer, Tommy Mannion, were regulars there. Many photos are of a surprise 65th birthday party in 1969 for Tommy & feature other members. Tommy & Jenny died in the early eighties & i sadly never met them, but I've always felt an attachment to them & I'd love to hear from anyone who maybe remembers them?

I have been to so many of those clubs, it's unreal! The Cat, Rupert's (and Fat Mo's), Banwells used to be the Rum Runner, and something else before that I can't remember - began with an S, I think. Also the Bowler Hat and the Shoreline. Bailey's was before my time, when I went there it was called something else before it became Prince something or other, then Oz. Saw Showaddywaddy there. And the La Strada for Granny nights - admit it, you were there! LOL That was when cougars were cougars!

But the best spot for action was always the Kissie!! Had me some goooooood times there!

The Wild Witch-Wizard of Whiteleas
Was a changeling's son from Mars.
He learnt his songs
From the Cosmic Throngs
And played them on a Fender guitar - Oh yeah.

I have been to so many of those clubs, it's unreal! The Cat, Rupert's (and Fat Mo's), Banwells used to be the Rum Runner, and something else before that I can't remember - began with an S, I think. Also the Bowler Hat and the Shoreline. Bailey's was before my time, when I went there it was called something else before it became Prince something or other, then Oz. Saw Showaddywaddy there. And the La Strada for Granny nights - admit it, you were there! LOL That was when cougars were cougars!

But the best spot for action was always the Kissie!! Had me some goooooood times there!

Blarney was the Rum Runner previously known as the Ranch. house, Baileys was opened as the Latino and many top acts performed there. Proposed to wife while watching the Searchers there,the song they were singing was "when you walk in the room".

I have been to so many of those clubs, it's unreal! The Cat, Rupert's (and Fat Mo's), Banwells used to be the Rum Runner, and something else before that I can't remember - began with an S, I think. Also the Bowler Hat and the Shoreline. Bailey's was before my time, when I went there it was called something else before it became Prince something or other, then Oz. Saw Showaddywaddy there. And the La Strada for Granny nights - admit it, you were there! LOL That was when cougars were cougars!

But the best spot for action was always the Kissie!! Had me some goooooood times there!

Blarney was the Rum Runner previously known as the Ranch. house, Baileys was opened as the Latino and many top acts performed there. Proposed to wife while watching the Searchers there,the song they were singing was "when you walk in the room".

I remembered later - when I used to go there, it was called The Tavern. Yes, Rum Runner was the Ranch House - I remembered that afterwards, too! LOL

The Wild Witch-Wizard of Whiteleas
Was a changeling's son from Mars.
He learnt his songs
From the Cosmic Throngs
And played them on a Fender guitar - Oh yeah.

It was The Talk Of Town before The Rum Runner, was The Ranch House before I started drinking in there in 76, become the Rum Runner in 81 when the Masons organisation brought the place, spent silly money on it, and totally killed it